Friday Favorites

Where did September go?? We just finished up a lovely visit from family and now I'm knee deep in the Alt For Everyone online blog conference. It's been really inspiring so far, so don't be surprised if there are some changes (for the better, promise!) around here in October.

What I'm reading:

The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley
I could have finished this book a few days ago but it's too good to rush. I'm savoring the last pages because it's just too good to give up! The story goes back and forth between Nicola in modern London and Anna, the young Scottish girl from the late 18th century who she is trying to connect to a piece of art. Both have secrets to keep and must regain their sense of trust as the book goes on. "Time Slip" novels can often feel disjointed if there isn't a smooth transition between the two time periods, but Kearsley moves back and forth perfectly. Each story moves the other along and while much of the book is character driven it is never dull. The characters come to life equally developed in both time periods and the historical sections are a smooth blend of the description needed to portray Scotland, France and Russia in the 1700s and the action needed to continue the story. And the icing on the cake? Kearsley has written a number of books already, and one is the story of Anna's parents! I can't wait to work my way through the rest of her books!



Good reads around the web: 

We finally got some rain a week or so back but just before that we had a mini dust bowl in the empty field behind our house. NPR talks about why it might start happening again on a large scale. Scary!

The healing properties of turmeric...in a tea!

Speaking of tea-Cup of Jo has a recipe for homemade Masala Chai. Might be just the thing for the cooler weather (supposedly) coming our way this weekend.

Annie's Eats lightened up a fall favorite: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins.

These wise words from Caitlin Moran (via Cup of Jo) might be my new mantra.


I hope you have a fabulous weekend!!